My Wedding Trunk,1978

Back in the 70's it wasn't called anything like trousseau , heavy duty metal trunks were packed with valuable items and sent away with the bride as a gesture of gratitude.

Mrs. Rita Malhotra, married for about 40 years now has an eye for traditional art forms and handicrafts. When asked about her elaborate sari collection, she smiles ear to ear! Folded neatly and packed away carefully , her 80 saris are to die for. This isn't a usual collection, what makes it special is that each one is different and has a story of its own. The weaves are still as perfect as they once were and the colours are still as bright!

Gujarati applique embroidery work at the back. It's generally stitched in shapes of animals.

Various types of Bandej from Rajasthan

Chikankari work from Lucknow

Bright Kashmiri embroidery on carpets, shawls and kurtas.

Tradional Manipuri embroidered shawl.

Ikat and a double Ikat sari from Orrisa.

Pure silk sari with gold weaves from South India

Mirror work and Mojris from Rajasthan.

Phulkari work from Punjab

Kantha Silk sari and reversible Kantha silk sari from Bengal

Tanchoi silk sari from Maharashtra

Baluchari silk sari from Bengal Now isn't this what you called a vintage collection? I know you're drooling over these beautiful pieces, time to start collecting our own masterpieces, isn't it?!

#aastha #art #handicrafts #handloom